See-through Security Element with Diffractive Grid and Beam-forming Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security elements for documents and valuables lack a combination of high security against forgery and visually appealing appearance, particularly in see-through designs that are difficult to reproduce using modern copiers.
Innovation Solution
A see-through security element featuring a first-level security feature with a grid pattern that influences electromagnetic radiation, recognizable by the naked eye, and a second-level security feature that forms a beam in transmission, requiring aids for verification, such as a diffractive optical element with an embossed structure and a high-index protective layer, arranged on opposite sides of a plastic film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a see-through security element with multiple security features is used, then security against forgery is improved, but visual appeal and ease of verification are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is divided into two distinct security features positioned on opposite sides of the see-through window. The first security feature (on the front side) provides visual appeal and can be verified by the naked eye, while the second security feature (on the back side) provides enhanced security and requires verification aids. This segmentation allows each feature to serve its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by placing security features on opposite sides of the see-through window rather than stacking them on the same side. This spatial arrangement allows light to pass through the window while enabling both features to be utilized simultaneously - the front feature for visual verification and the back feature for enhanced security verification with appropriate tools.
2Reliability
If optically variable elements are added to prevent copying, then security against forgery is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the see-through window function with security features by integrating both the first and second security features directly into the see-through window structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate security elements and allows the window to serve dual purposes: providing visual appeal through the first security feature and enhanced security through the second security feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The see-through window is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visual appeal through the diffractive optical element on the front side, maintains transparency for document visibility, and provides enhanced security through the beam-forming optical element on the back side. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Combines high security against forgery with a visually appealing appearance, as the first security feature provides a moving or three-dimensional image impression visible to the naked eye, while the second feature projects information only visible with tools, enhancing protection against counterfeiting.
Implementation Method 1
The first security feature is a diffractive diffraction structure, in particular a hologram, a holographic grating image, a blazed diffraction structure, a computer-generated hologram (CGH) or another hologram-like diffraction structure
Implementation Method 2
the second security feature is an optical element that forms a beam in transmission
Implementation Method 3
the refractive index of the protective lacquer layer essentially corresponds to the refractive index of the lacquer layer into which the embossed structure is introduced
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an inspection security element (20) for security papers, value documents, and the like, comprising at least a first security characteristic (24) and a second security characteristic (34) located on opposite sides of the security element (20), wherein, according to the invention, the first security characteristic (24) is a security characteristic recognizable in reflection having a grid pattern (28) that can influence electromagnetic radiation, the pattern comprising a plurality of ruled grating lines, and the second security characteristic (34) is an optical element forming radiation in transmission.